Code STEMI

Code STEMI: ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

Here at WakeMed Heart & Vascular, we cut to the chase. That's why we put a special cardiac team in place to be prepared, stats in hand, to meet you at the Emergency Department if you're suddenly suffering from Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) or Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI or heart attack).

Bringing together Wake County EMS, the emergency department and cath lab staff, the Code STEMI Response Team strives to beat the "door-to-balloon" golden rule of 90 minutes when our team is called into action.

How does Code STEMI work?

You've called 911 because you're experiencing chest pains and having difficulty breathing. The emergency technician has arrived at your house and almost instantly, he's reading your EKG and faxing it to the WakeMed Emergency Department.

At the WakeMed ED, an emergency physician is standing by, analyzing your results along side a cardiologist. The physician team reviews your stats and puts a plan into action - before you even arrive at the hospital. If a heart attack or ACS is diagnosed, the Code STEMI Response Team immediately prepares for the appropriate primary angioplasty, thrombolytic therapy or even emergency bypass surgery.

Since the WakeMed Heart Center staffs a team in the Cath lab 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you don't have to wait for treatment. Support staff are always available to prepare and participate in invasive cardiology procedures. The time saved using the Code STEMI Response Team leads to more lives saved and better chances of recovery. In the end, WakeMed gives you and your family one less thing to worry about in a cardiac emergency.